Extra! Extra! Hear all about it! The DRC just dropped "Beyond Neutrality Episode 7- The Honorable Judge Christian." Among other topics, they consider issues that may arise when mediating with pro se parties.
buzzsprout.com/2166669/episo…
Thank you for attending Conflict Resolution Day 2026 “How to Avoid the DRC Doghouse!” with the Fabulous 6. Attendance will be submitted to NCBA for 2 hours CLE, and you may report the program as 2 CME our next renewal period. Missed it? A link will appear soon on DRC's CME page.
Psst...Conflict Resolution Day is Thursday October 15 from 8:30 to 11:00 am. A free, fun, and accessible way to acquire your annual 2 hours of CME.
This year's topic?
How to Avoid the DRC Doghouse!
The Renewal Period is over! We thank all for their Esprit de corps with the process! While you may still renew, a $30 Late Fee applies. Non-renewed mediators lapse and may not conduct court-ordered mediations. If it is your wish to officially relinquish certification, write us.
Let's welcome the DRC's three newly appointed Commission Members:
1. Kayla Wallace (Court Staff Management seat);
2. DA Avery Crump (District Attorney seat);
3. Alexandra “Allie” Smith (Knowledgeable Citizen seat).
We are excited to work with you all!
Mediator Certification Renewal Period for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 ends September 30, 2026...that's tomorrow. 😯
If you've done it, yay!!! ☺️
If you haven't done it, ruh-roh... 🫣
www.ncourts.give/commissions/dispute-resolution-commission#mediator-certification-renewal-4104
DRC Mediators, you thinking about your 2 CME hours for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year? Well, you're in luck because...
Conflict Resolution Day is Thursday October 15, 2026!!!
nccourts.gov/assets/inline-f…
The DRC office is closed Monday in honor of Labor Day, so you may find the time to celebrate and reflect upon your amazing contributions to the work force.
What's a Court-Ordered Mediation like?
1. Mediators present themselves and the process, stressing the parties define settlement terms.
2. Parties present selves.
3. Mediator discusses issues with parties together or apart.
4. Concludes with an agreement, impasse, or extension.
In other good news, DRC Member Ralph W. Meekins has been appointed to the newly created Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Commission.
Well done, Mr. Meekins!! 👏👏
🎉Congratulations, DRC Member Paul J. Ekster! 🎉
Pursuant to statute, NCBA President Katherine Ann Frye reappointed Mr. Ekster to a three-year term on the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC).
At its biannual meeting, DRC Chair Judge Lori Hamilton relayed once again our great respect for DRC member Robin Stinson's recent appointment as judge on the newly established Complex Family Financial Court!
Chair Judge Lori Hamilton presents a Plaque of Appreciation to departing member Andrew Murray, who was appointed in May 2021, and subsequently elected to a four-year term, as District Attorney for North Carolina’s 42nd Prosecutorial District (see photo).
ALT Chair Judge Lori Hamilton presents a Plaque of Appreciation to departing member Andrew Murray, who was appointed in May 2021, and subsequently elected to a four-year term, as District Attorney for North Carolina’s 42nd Prosecutorial District, which includes Henderson, Transylvania, and Polk Counties.
Congratulations DRC Commission Member Robin J. Stinson, on being appointed by Chief Justice Newby to serve as a judge in the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s new Complex Family Financial Court program! A Well-deserved honor!
Psst...We're halfway through the current Renewal Period (July 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026), which begs the very important question: Have you done your renewal?
What is a mediation? It is an informal legal proceeding. Unlike Clerks or Judges, Mediators don't make decisions: they guide parties to resolve disputes themselves through discussions that yield a written agreement and allow them to dismiss the matter and avoid a trial.